Country Guides Libya Currency

Currency in Libya: LYD Send & Spend FX Guide

Resources for Expats, Travelers, and Entrepreneurs Navigating Life and Trade in Libya with the Libyan dinar.

What is a good Libyan dinar exchange rate?

The BestExchangeRates.com currency comparison table below helps you see the total cost of your currency transaction by showing the exchange rates offered by different providers. It also makes it easy to spot potential savings from market-leading FX services compared to bank rates.

To see a full list of rates, enter your transaction type, currencies and amount then click ‘GET RATES’:

Good things to know about the Libyan dinar

The Libyan Dinar comes in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 dinars. The coins come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, and 50 dirhams. The physical currency features images of notable figures and landmarks from Libyan history and culture, as well as Arabic inscriptions.

The front side of the 1 dinar note features a portrait of Omar Mukhtar, a Libyan resistance leader who fought against Italian colonization in the 1920s and 1930s. The back of the note shows a view of the port of Benghazi. The 5 dinar note features a portrait of Al-Mahdi Al-Baruni, a Libyan Sufi mystic and poet, on the front side and an image of the Al-Jahmiya Mosque in Benghazi on the back. The 10 dinar note features a portrait of Muhammad al-Fatih, the Ottoman Sultan who conquered Constantinople in 1453, on the front and an image of the medieval castle of Al-Sharif al-Hamdani in Benghazi on the back. The 20 dinar note features a portrait of Umar al-Mukhtar, the leader of the Libyan resistance against Italian colonization, on the front and an image of the Roman Theater in Leptis Magna on the back. The 50 dinar note features a portrait of Al-Burtasi, a Libyan Sufi mystic and poet, on the front and an image of the Al-Fatah Tower in Tripoli on the back. The 100 dinar note features a portrait of Omar al-Mukhtar on the front and an image of the Al-Manar Palace in Tripoli on the back.

For more LYD information check out our selection of Libyan dinar news and guides.

Travel money for Libya

As mentioned above, the Libyan dinar is a closed currency. Which means that you may find it difficult (or be permitted) to purchase the currency (LYD) before departure and will need to buy it upon arrival in Libya.

For these types of destinations, using a pre-paid travel card is a good solution. As no travel cards support loading closed currencies like the LYD you will incur currency conversion or foreign transaction fees if you use a travel money card in Libya.

However, using a pre-paid travel card is still a good idea as you can avoid ATM fees and also you can avoid using (and losing!) your main bank or debit/credit card.

 

 

Everyday Costs in in Libya

How much does it really cost to live, work, or travel in Libya? Here's what to expect for daily expenses and expat living.

Currency Guide for Libya (LY)

For travelers planning a 1-week mid-range stay in Libya, it’s advisable to budget around 2,500 to 3,500 LYD (Libyan Dinars). This amount ensures you can comfortably experience local culture, enjoy decent meals, and explore the beautiful landscapes without breaking the bank. Here’s a breakdown of typical daily expenses in Libyan Dinars:

• 🍽️ Meal at a local restaurant: 20-30 LYD

• ☕ Coffee: 5-7 LYD

• 🚍 Public transport fare: 1-2 LYD

• 📱 Prepaid SIM card: 20-30 LYD

• 🏨 Budget hotel or Airbnb: 60-100 LYD per night

Overall, Libya can be considered an average-cost destination for travelers when compared to the United States, where costs tend to be higher. For instance, a similar experience in the UK or Australia may come with a greater price tag, especially for accommodations and dining out. While Libya’s cost of living is relatively lower, the scarcity of some imported goods can occasionally skew prices for international standards.

For Expats Living in Libya

Expats residing in Libya should expect monthly living costs to range from about 3,500 to 5,500 LYD, depending on lifestyle choices and family size. A useful tip for managing expenses is to utilize local markets where prices can often be lower than larger supermarkets. When it comes to banking and card usage, it's advisable to have a robust understanding of the local banking system, as ATMs may not always be reliable. For convenience, using local banks for salary deposits and employing international services like Wise or OFX for money transfers may offer better exchange rates and lower fees. Generally, it’s recommended to exchange a small amount of cash locally for day-to-day expenses, while larger transactions can be handled through secure online transfer services to maximize your funds.